Jake Paul, the internet sensation turned professional boxer, is as famous for his outspoken personality and boxing career as he is for his extensive collection of tattoos. Each piece of ink on “The Problem Child” tells a story, reflecting different facets of his life, beliefs, and personal journey. As a style icon to millions and ahead of his highly anticipated boxing match, let’s delve into the world of Jake Paul Tattoos and explore the meanings behind them.
Jake Paul shirtless, pointing to the camera, showcasing his chest tattoos
Jake Paul’s tattoos are an integral part of his public persona. Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
From discreetly hidden pieces to large, prominent designs, Jake Paul’s body art is a visual narrative of his life. This guide provides a comprehensive look at Jake Paul’s tattoos, deciphering the symbolism and stories behind each design.
Decoding Jake Paul’s Tattoo Collection: Locations and Meanings
“Venture” – The Hidden Lip Tattoo
Jake Paul’s tattoo journey began with a rebellious act of self-expression: the word “Venture” inked inside his lower lip. This hidden location was a deliberate choice to keep it secret from his parents, marking his first foray into the world of body modification. The word itself, “Venture,” speaks to his adventurous spirit and willingness to take risks, traits evident throughout his career transitions.
Head Tattoo: Tiger and Butterflies
Located behind his left ear is a striking tattoo featuring a tiger surrounded by butterflies. While Jake Paul hasn’t explicitly detailed the meaning, the imagery offers rich symbolism. Tigers often represent strength, power, and courage, while butterflies are symbols of transformation, change, and personal growth. This head tattoo, being one of his most visible, could signify the powerful transformation Jake Paul has undergone in his public life, embracing strength while navigating constant change.
Back Sword with “To Live Ex Die”
One of Jake Paul’s most noticeable tattoos is the large sword running down his back, accompanied by the phrase “To Live Ex Die.” This design draws inspiration from the proverb “live by the sword, die by the sword,” suggesting a philosophy of embracing risk and facing life head-on. For Jake Paul, this could represent his approach to his career and life, acknowledging that the path to success often involves facing challenges and potential setbacks.
Ribcage Custom Design: 22 Hours of Ink
Jake Paul’s ribcage tattoo is a testament to his dedication and tolerance for pain. Designed by Jake himself and executed by an artist, this extensive piece took a grueling 22 hours to complete. The sheer time and pain endured for this custom design highlight his commitment to his artistic vision and his willingness to undergo intense experiences to achieve his goals. The specific imagery of this tattoo is not detailed in the original article, leaving room for further exploration of its design and personal significance.
Angel Calf Tattoo: Symbol of Protection?
An angel tattoo graces Jake Paul’s right calf. While he hasn’t publicly elaborated on its meaning, angel tattoos are commonly associated with protection, guidance, and faith. For Jake Paul, this angel could symbolize a desire for protection in his high-profile and often controversial career, or represent a guiding force in his life.
Jake Paul flexing his arm, showcasing his angel tattoo on his calf
Jake Paul’s angel tattoo on his calf. Credit: Instagram
“PAUL” Chest Tattoo: Family Pride
Across his chest, Jake Paul proudly displays his last name, “PAUL,” in a bold, prominent tattoo. This chest placement signifies pride in his family name and lineage. It’s a declaration of identity and a constant reminder of his roots as he navigates his public life and career.
Octopus Chest and Abdomen Tattoo: Intelligence and Adaptability
Spanning his chest and abdomen is an octopus tattoo. While Jake Paul hasn’t explained the meaning, octopus tattoos often symbolize intelligence, adaptability, complexity, and the ability to navigate tricky situations. These traits are highly relevant to Jake Paul’s multifaceted career in both boxing and the entertainment industry, where he constantly adapts and strategizes.
Skeleton Warrior Thigh Tattoo: Strength and Resilience
On his left thigh, Jake Paul sports a large tattoo of a skeleton warrior in armor. Though he hasn’t explicitly stated its meaning, the skeleton warrior is a classic symbol of strength, resilience, and fearlessness in the face of adversity. This tattoo could represent Jake Paul’s fighting spirit and his determination to overcome challenges in his boxing career and personal life.
“RNBO” Tattoo: Branding His Entrepreneurial Spirit
The letters “RNBO” are inked on Jake Paul’s body, representing his clothing brand “Rise n’ Be Original.” This tattoo serves as a permanent advertisement for his entrepreneurial venture and a constant reminder of his business ambitions. It reflects his drive to build his brand and expand his influence beyond entertainment and sports.
Jake Paul showcasing his "RNBO" tattoo, representing his clothing brand
The “RNBO” tattoo is a permanent reminder of Jake Paul’s brand, Rise n’ Be Original. Credit: AFP
Butterfly Thigh Tattoo: Transformation and Growth
Located below the skeleton warrior on his left thigh is a large butterfly tattoo. Butterflies are potent symbols of transformation, change, and personal growth. This tattoo likely represents Jake Paul’s own evolution from a social media personality to a professional boxer, highlighting his continuous self-improvement and career metamorphosis.
Tiger Face Shin and Foot Tattoo: Ferocity and Courage
Extending from his left shin down to his foot is a tiger face tattoo. Tigers are universally recognized symbols of strength, courage, and ferocity. For a boxer, these qualities are paramount, and this tattoo could be a personal emblem of the traits he aims to embody in the ring and in life.
“BAYOU BOYS” Wrist Tattoo: Nostalgic Friendship
On his wrist, Jake Paul has a small tattoo that reads “BAYOU BOYS.” This tattoo is dedicated to his friendship with someone named Jasper and serves as a nostalgic reminder of their shared experiences and inside jokes. It represents the importance of friendship and personal connections in his life.
“1:59” Memorial Tattoo: A Tribute to Shadow
One of Jake Paul’s most emotionally significant tattoos is “1:59” on the front of his body. This tattoo is a memorial to his late bodyguard, Shadow. “1:59” represents the time of his knockout victory over Ben Askren, a moment Shadow had requested to witness before his passing. This tattoo is a touching tribute to a significant person in Jake Paul’s life and a permanent reminder of their bond.
“Gotcha Hat” Tattoo: Spontaneity and Humor
Jake Paul’s “Gotcha Hat” tattoo, acquired impulsively at an airport, commemorates a prank he played on Floyd Mayweather by stealing his hat. This spontaneous tattoo showcases his playful nature and his tendency to memorialize even fleeting, humorous moments in his life through body art.
Jake Paul’s Tattoos: A Visual Autobiography
Jake Paul’s tattoos are more than just skin deep; they are a collection of symbols and stories that chronicle his life’s journey. From hidden messages to bold statements, each tattoo provides insight into his personality, beliefs, and experiences. As his career continues to evolve, it’s likely his collection of body art will grow, further narrating the ongoing story of “The Problem Child.” While he hints at avoiding tattoos in “private areas,” the rest of his body remains a canvas for his evolving personal and public narrative.
